News

Time to Thaw Out

3/2/2010

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Time to Thaw Out: The US military on Feb. 24 concluded the 2009-10 Operation Deep Freeze season, wrapping up six months of logistical support to US researchers on Antarctica. This included 60 C-17 airlift missions, 330 flights of ski-equipped LC-130 transports, and sealift. Thirteenth Air Force at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, leads Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, which includes airmen, soldiers, sailors, and Coast Guardsmen, who perform this annual mission. "I couldn't be more proud of our Air Force's total force effort that supports the National Science Foundation mission in the Antarctic," said Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander. This season saw several milestones, including C-17 aircrews further refining their ability to land at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, in total darkness using night vision goggles. (JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam report by TSgt. Kerry Jackson)